World tennis champion Sania Mirza inspired a packed audience at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2025) with her journey. “Being the first to do something is always the hardest. There is no path to follow and no precedent,” she shared. “But overcoming those challenges is what makes you shine,” she added during a conversation with Alia Bujsaim, Board Member of the UAE Tennis Federation.
Looking back on her career, Mirza said, “Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like without tennis. I simply can’t imagine it.”
Sania Mirza grew up in Hyderabad with big dreams and a tennis racket. She overcame numerous hurdles to become India’s first female tennis star. Competing in a cricket-dominated and male-centric sports landscape, she stood victorious on the world’s top tennis courts.
Her story shows that determination and resilience can help anyone overcome challenges.
Mental Health and Self-Belief: Sania Mirza Key Advice
Mirza faced physical injuries, emotional setbacks, and intense pressure throughout her career. Yet, she redefined herself and emerged stronger each time. She emphasized the growing awareness around mental health in sports today.
“Dealing with immense pressure to win is emotionally exhausting,” she shared. “But picking yourself up after a loss is what defines great athletes.”
For young athletes, her advice was clear. “Believe in yourself even when no one else does. Self-belief and hard work made the impossible possible for me.”
Echoing Mirza’s emphasis on self-belief, Ammar Kandil, Cofounder of Yes Theory, discussed embracing discomfort and growth.
Born in Egypt, Kandil left home at 16. After attending university in Canada, a road trip in 2015 sparked the idea for Yes Theory. “The belief that life’s most meaningful experiences come from embracing fear and uncertainty shaped our entire journey,” he said.
